Where to live in Austin (20s, no kids, no room mates) (Round Rock: apartment, for rent)

[fpsbob]

This is just a possibility, and I'm just trying to get some suggestions.

I'm in my mid 20s, no kids, and most likely living by myself.

I like to go out every now and then but not every night. I like live music but not all the time.

I have heard that people in Austin can be quite liberal, but would I notice that from most people I meet? I'd have to make some new friends and meet people so if they're friendly and we get along well, that will be more important.

How far and how long do people commute to work in Austin? I've seen how bad traffic can be so I'll know about it before I move there.

Oh and my budget for rent is up to $1500/month.

I would prefer to live somewhere safe and quiet even if it means my neighborhood is boring.

I already live in north Texas. Not sure if that helps or makes a difference.

[bw7985]

Honestly, if you look through previous city-data posts you'll see the same thing said over and over: Live close to where you work! And this is very solid advice. It sounds like as of right now you don't have a job lined up, and as such, it is difficult to give you a good idea of specific places or areas to live. I had friends that moved here without jobs, bought a house in South Austin, and then the husband ended up getting a job in Round Rock -- you do NOT want to do that! He already quit that job after less than a year because the commute was so killer. I will say, however, that your budget will afford you an apartment relatively close to downtown (how close depends on how big/new of an apartment you'd like, and keep in mind those older units are more likely to have bigger utility bills). A house within that budget would be a little more difficult to find (but not impossible), would need to be small, and would be further out (around 8-10 miles from DT). Most of Austin is pretty safe and quiet, so that shouldn't be a huge concern. But like I said, it's really difficult to tell you much if you don't know where you'll be working.

[alwaysmiling]

Look at Hyde park

[austin-steve]

Originally Posted by bw7985

Honestly, if you look through previous city-data posts you'll see the same thing said over and over: Live close to where you work! And this is very solid advice. ....

Agreed, except that I think 20-somethings might be an exception. Live close to where you play!

For example, I have a 20-something tenant living in a downtown condo. She commutes north, but once home at night, and on weekends, she never has to drive, and all of her friends come downtown for fun and she's already there. She walks everywhere.

For someone in their 20s, single and available for dating, living in Leander or Round Rock just because you work there might not optimize the search for a mate, assuming single people seek that.

For someone coming to Austin new, I'd look for a roommate situation rather than renting alone. Renting alone is very expensive. A roommate situation is more flexible and gives time to learn your way around. Then I'd also join an activity/group of some kind to meet people. Like a running club or cycling group. Or just go to regular yoga classes or meetups.

Steve

[fpsbob]

Originally Posted by austin-steve

Agreed, except that I think 20-somethings might be an exception. Live close to where you play!

For example, I have a 20-something tenant living in a downtown condo. She commutes north, but once home at night, and on weekends, she never has to drive, and all of her friends come downtown for fun and she's already there. She walks everywhere.

For someone in their 20s, single and available for dating, living in Leander or Round Rock just because you work there might not optimize the search for a mate, assuming single people seek that.

For someone coming to Austin new, I'd look for a roommate situation rather than renting alone. Renting alone is very expensive. A roommate situation is more flexible and gives time to learn your way around. Then I'd also join an activity/group of some kind to meet people. Like a running club or cycling group. Or just go to regular yoga classes or meetups.

Steve

This helps a lot.